Ten Most Haunted Cities in the World

AI tells us there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of paranormal activity. BUT…some cities have gained a reputation for being associated with ghost sightings, supernatural events, and other paranormal claims. How do you explain THAT, AI—you all-knowing all-seeing data scraper? Some of these cities include:

1. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans has a reputation for being one of the most haunted cities in the United States. There have been numerous reports of paranormal activity in the city, including:

• Ghost sightings: Many people claim to have seen the ghostly apparitions of former residents in the city’s historic buildings and cemeteries.
• Voodoo practices: New Orleans is known for its association with voodoo, a religion that incorporates elements of West African spirituality and Catholicism. Some people claim to have had supernatural experiences related to voodoo.
• Haunted houses: There are many historic homes and buildings in New Orleans that are said to be haunted by the spirits of former residents.
• The LaLaurie Mansion: This historic mansion is said to be one of the most haunted places in New Orleans, and it is said to be haunted by the spirits of slaves who were mistreated by former owner Delphine LaLaurie.
• The St. Louis Cemetery No. 1: This historic cemetery is the final resting place for many notable figures in New Orleans history, and it is said to be haunted by the spirits of the dead who are buried there.

2. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia is another city with a rich history and cultural heritage, and it has gained a reputation for being one of the most haunted cities in the United States. There have been numerous reports of paranormal activity in the city, including:

• Ghost sightings: Many people claim to have seen the ghostly apparitions of former residents in the city’s historic buildings and squares.
• Haunted houses: There are many historic homes and buildings in Savannah that are said to be haunted by the spirits of former residents.
• The Mercer-Williams House: This historic home is said to be haunted by the spirit of Jim Williams, a former owner who was charged (but acquitted) with murder.
  • Jim Williams was a prominent antique dealer and restorer who lived in the Mercer-Williams House in the 1970s. He was the subject of the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” by John Berendt, which tells the story of his life and murder trial. He was accused of killing his young assistant, Danny Hansford in 1981. Jim Williams was tried four times for the murder, with each trial ending in a hung jury. He died of a heart attack in 1990 before he could be tried again. 
  • The murder of Danny Hansford and the trial of Jim Williams remain a source of fascination for many people, and the case has been the subject of numerous books, articles, and other media. Despite the many theories and speculations about what happened, the truth behind the murder remains a mystery.
  • According to some reports, the ghost of Jim Williams still haunts the Mercer-Williams House. Visitors have reported seeing his ghostly figure walking through the house, and some have claimed to hear strange noises and music coming from the property. Others have reported feeling a ghostly presence or sensing an eerie atmosphere in the house.
  • The house is also haunted by the ghost of an 11 year old boy who fell off the roof in 1969.
• The Sorrel-Weed House: This historic home is said to be haunted by the spirit of a former owner, Francis Sorrel. According to local legend, Francis Sorrel was a wealthy cotton broker who lived in the house in the mid-19th century. He was known for his cruel and abusive behavior, and it is said that his ghost still haunts the house to this day. Visitors have reported seeing the ghost of Francis Sorrel walking through the halls of the house, and some have claimed to hear strange noises or feel a ghostly presence while inside.
• The Pirates’ House: This historic building is said to be haunted by the spirits of pirates who used to frequent the establishment in the 1700s and 1800s.
  • 250 years old
  • Herb House on property is supposedly the oldest building in GA
  • Tunnel to street, now blocked off, was used to shanghai

3. Salem, Massachusetts

Salem, Massachusetts is perhaps best known for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, during which several people were accused of practicing witchcraft and were put to death. This historical event has contributed to Salem’s reputation as a city with a rich history of supernatural beliefs and paranormal activity. Some of the paranormal activity that has been associated with Salem includes:

• Witchcraft: Due to its history with the Salem Witch Trials, Salem is often associated with witchcraft and is considered a hub of modern-day paganism and Wiccan beliefs.
• Ghost sightings: There have been numerous reports of ghostly apparitions in Salem, including the spirits of those who were executed during the witch trials.
• Haunted houses: There are several historic homes and buildings in Salem that are said to be haunted by the spirits of former residents.
• The Witch Trials Memorial: This memorial is dedicated to those who were accused and executed during the Salem Witch Trials, and it is said to be a place where visitors can experience ghostly activity.

4. St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, Florida is a city with a rich history dating back to the Spanish colonial period (1492-1898). It is considered the oldest city in the United States. There have been numerous reports of paranormal activity there, including:

• Ghost sightings: Many people claim to have seen ghostly apparitions in the city’s historic buildings, including the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the United States.
• 26 Toque Place
  • The house was originally the servants quarters of a larger home. It was moved to its current location after the main house on the estate burned to the ground.
  • People have reported incidences of the walls bleeding and a mirror in one of the bathrooms displaying the word “hi.”
  • Ghost of an old woman is seen on the property as well as that of a little girl who had been shot in the head and a little boy who sits on the front steps.
  • Recent remodeling has caused the paranormal activity to return.
• The Lighthouse: The St. Augustine Lighthouse is said to be haunted by the spirits of former lighthouse keepers and their families, as well as those who died in shipwrecks off the coast.
• The Old Jail: This historic jail is said to be haunted by the spirits of former inmates who were housed there in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
• The Spanish Military Hospital: This historic hospital is said to be haunted by the spirits of patients and staff who worked and died there during the Spanish colonial period.

5. London, England

London, England is a city with a rich history dating back over two thousand years, and it has a reputation for being one of the most haunted cities in the world. There have been numerous reports of paranormal activity in the city, including:

• Ghost sightings: Many people claim to have seen ghostly apparitions in the city’s historic buildings, including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament.
• Haunted houses: There are many historic homes and buildings in London that are said to be haunted by the spirits of former residents.
• The London Underground: The London Underground is said to be haunted by the spirits of former passengers and workers who died in accidents or other incidents on the rail system.
• The Tower of London: This historic castle is said to be haunted by the spirits of former prisoners, including Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII who was executed there.
• The Plague Pits: The mass graves of those who died during the Great Plague of 1665 are said to be haunted by the spirits of the dead.

6. Paris, France

Paris, France is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage, and it has a reputation for being one of the most haunted cities in Europe. There have been numerous reports of paranormal activity in the city, including:

• Ghost sightings: Many people claim to have seen ghostly apparitions in the city’s historic buildings, including the Catacombs, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum.
• Haunted houses: There are many historic homes and buildings in Paris that are said to be haunted by the spirits of former residents.
• The Catacombs: The underground ossuaries of Paris, known as the Catacombs, are said to be haunted by the spirits of those who were buried there.
• The Sainte-Chapelle: This historic chapel is said to be haunted by the spirits of former prisoners who were held in the dungeons beneath the building.
• The Pere Lachaise Cemetery: This famous cemetery is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who are buried there, including famous figures like Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde.

7. Prague, Czechia

Prague is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage, and it has a reputation for being one of the most haunted cities in Europe. There have been numerous reports of paranormal activity in the city, including:

• Ghost sightings: Many people claim to have seen ghostly apparitions in the city’s historic buildings, including the Charles Bridge, the Old Town Hall, and the Prague Castle.
• Haunted houses: There are many historic homes and buildings in Prague that are said to be haunted by the spirits of former residents.
• The Charles Bridge: This historic bridge is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who died during its construction or who drowned in the river below.
• The Old Town Hall: This historic building is said to be haunted by the spirits of former prisoners who were held in its dungeons.
• The Jewish Cemetery: The Jewish Cemetery in Prague is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who are buried there, including victims of the Holocaust.

8. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage, and it has a reputation for being one of the most haunted cities in the United Kingdom. There have been numerous reports of paranormal activity in the city, including:

• Ghost sightings: Many people claim to have seen ghostly apparitions in the city’s historic buildings, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Mary King’s Close.
• West Bow House
  • Popular and respected man, Thomas Weir lived a secret life.
  • Fell ill in 1670 and confessed to bestiality, incest and satanism. 
  • Put on trial and sentenced to death.
  • House was demolished in 1878 because no one would live there for long. But some of its remains were incorporated into the present Quaker Meeting House.
  • Many reports of paranormal activity have been reported in the meeting rooms.
• Brodie’s Close
  • William Brodie was a master at his trade (cabinetry) and leader of the local Wrights and Masons, which repaired locks.
  • He made a copy of the a bank key and stole lots of money, with which he supported his wife and family in style as well as five mistresses.
  • He was finally found out and fled town. He was caught in Amsterdam and brought back for trial. William tried to bribe the hangman to fix the gallows so he wouldn’t die, but failed.
  • His ghost haunts the close, along with a fire-breathing horse.
• Greyfriar’s Kirkyard
  • Greyfriar’s Bobby
  • George McKenzie and the homeless man.

9. York, England

There have been numerous reports of paranormal activity in the city, including:

• Ghost sightings: Many people claim to have seen ghostly apparitions in the city’s historic buildings, including York Minster, the Treasurer’s House, and the Shambles.
• Haunted houses: There are many historic homes and buildings in York that are said to be haunted by the spirits of former residents.
• York Minster: This historic cathedral is said to be haunted by the spirits of former bishops and choirboys.
• The Treasurer’s House: This historic home is said to be haunted by the spirits of former residents, including Roman soldiers who were buried beneath the building.
• The Shambles: This historic street is said to be haunted by the spirits of former residents and business owners.

10. Bangkok, Thailand

• The Bangkok Noi Canal: This canal is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who drowned there, including soldiers who died in the past wars.
• The Grand Palace: This historic palace is said to be haunted by the spirits of former kings and queens.
• The Thai-Chinese Cemetery: This cemetery is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who are buried there, including wealthy Chinese merchants.
• The Siam Square: This shopping district is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who died in the past wars, including soldiers and civilians.
• Pen Factory Near Kasem Bundit University
  • Said to be haunted by employees who died agonizing deaths after an explosion.
  • Owner was shot in his office and business closed. The factory is derelict.
  • Knock three times on the water tank and you may summon a poltergeist!
• Ratburana Police Station
  • Officers deserted the old station before a new one was even built. Why? Many believed the station was haunted by evil forces, which induced inmates to kill themselves so demons could feed on their souls.
  • A suspiciously high percentage of suicides occurred in the cells. Many of those who died were incarcerated for minor offenses, which would not cause a person to kill themselves.
• The Erawan Shrine: This golden Buddhist shrine, dedicated to the Hindu god of creation, is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who died in accidents or were the victims of violence. A bombing there killed 21 people in August 2015.